Author: Alexiel Divine

Acârash – In Chaos Becrowned

Norwegian occult rock band Acârash is ready to conquer the underground scene with the esoteric poetry and blackened nuances of the long awaited debut album “In Chaos Becrowned”.

“Cadaver Dei” invites you to join Acârash through a hazy sonic maze where desolate atmospheric layers introduce a blackened realm of gelid darkness made of gritty guitar riffs and low devilish vocals leading to moody melodic textures and wilder rock grooves.

Keeping all things dark as main inspiration “Shadows Roam” owes its obscure strength to the atmospheric blackened abyss where guitars shift from an archaic black metal riffing galore to the impenetrable gloom of slower paced melodies that in the song’s final moments channel a classic rock nostalgic vibe.

The title track begins with a feverish round of groovy guitar riffs and a delicious blackened aura continues to dominate every instrumental passage naturally enhanced by highly somber raucous vocals before giving way to bouncy occult rock guitar melodies and majestic faster bursts of gloomy rhythmic progressions.

Nightmares can become real and “Ashes Of The Mortal Mind” could not sound darker as deeply mournful vibes surround the lovable melodic guitar licks that often evoke a doom inspired mood and gothic splendor enhanced by the extremely grim vocal delivery and the perilous blackened grooves.

Darkness continues to descend triumphantly on “Cenotaph In Flesh” which certainly offers a fair dosage of wild hard rock dynamics but here it’s pitchblack and through melodic contemplative segments guitars inevitably gallop faster with massive gloomy vibes while growls embrace an arcane rhythmic urgency.

For a new band it’s not easy to attract a wide audience with a debut album but the spellbinding   hymns to darkness that Acârash has meticulously conjured on “In Chaos Becrowned” simply cannot be missed.
In Chaos Becrowned

Tusmørke – Fjernsyn i Farver

Norwegian prog/folk band Tusmørke is ready to impress and surprise the listeners once again with the unique macabre romanticism and the unusual melodic textures of the new album “Fjernsyn i Farver” based on philosophical concepts regarding light, time and reality.

“Fjernsyn i Farver (Colour Television)” opens the album with psychedelic fervor leading to the recurring trance inducing flute, futuristic electro beats and the expected generous dosage of classic folk dynamics that will interrupt the surreal rhythmic structure delivering solemn melodies.

On “Kniven i kurven (The Knife in the Basket)” a poetic flute introduces cathartic folk nuances inviting the listeners to join the chants in the middle of the enchanted forest but the song’s complexity will often lead to multifaceted rhythms and melodic progressions.

The vintage organ and the groovy percussions on “Death Czar” successfully build catchy grooves and the whole instrumentation & vocals certainly match the retro vibes and uplifting emotional quality that characterize the song’s intricate melodies.

The epic final track “Tøyens hemmelighet (The Secret of Tøyen)” definitely draws inspiration from traditional folk music as gentle & uplifting flute harmonies take the lead creating magical moments followed and enhanced by the positive energy of the whole instrumentation featuring a series of often unusual rhythmic variations with remarkable prog rock elements and complex melodic tapestries.

Truly not many bands can skillfully offer the mind bending soundscapes that Tusmørke continue to effortlessly deliver and while “Fjernsyn i Farver” might not reach a wide audience it is an album that will be remembered for the wild avant-garde essence.
Fjernsyn I Farver

The Night Flight Orchestra – Sometimes The World Ain’t Enough

After the sensational 2017 album “Amber Galactic” Swedish classic/progressive rock supergroup The Night Flight Orchestra, featuring Soilwork’s Bjorn ‘Speed’ Strid and David Andersson, is back for more outer space adventures and ready to deliver the latest effort “Sometimes The World Ain’t Enough” directly from an extraterrestrial orbit.

Introduced by a mysterious aura “This Time” will promptly delight you with an overdose of crunchy guitar riffs that follow a flamboyant party mood and when keyboards start to dominate the song’s structure with all kinds of shimmering arrangements and entertaining bluesy piano it’s time to open a bottle of champagne.

Contrary to the title “Paralyzed” will get you moving with irresistible funky & sexy rhythms with smooth polished guitar work and tons of positive energy while Bjorn’s vocals are simply on fire with a glamorous passionate delivery, so once again it’s party time!

The title track relies heavily on easy pop rhythms particularly emphasized by keyboards artistry with strong ‘80s flavors definitely matched by the hard rock tonalities of crispy melodic guitar work that will inevitably reach the acme with the flamboyant solos.

“Lovers In The Rain” has a ballad style approach as a melancholic mood deeply influences the whole instrumentation significantly slowing down the rhythm to embrace softer romantic melodies and atmospheric keyboards while Bjorn vocals channel nostalgic vibes.

“Can’t Be That Bad” is filled with classic rock guitar driven grooves but the polychromatic good vibes of the keyboards arrangements certainly shift the focus on widely accessible melodies and danceable moments.

Just like the rest of the album “Winged And Serpentine” could have been composed decades ago featuring a super catchy round of guitar riffs which are executed in perfect classic rock fashion with authentic ‘80s tonalities leading to an euphoric memorable chorus.

The longest track “The Last Of The Independent Romantics” is a nostalgic trip that begins with an overdose of extra mellow keyboards melodies and spacey atmospheres but soon guitars will gain refreshing energy delivering gritty rocking riffs followed by the raw energy of Bjorn’s intense vocals and the sparkling licks of the blissful lead guitar work.

With “Sometimes The World Ain’t Enough” you can tell that The Night Flight Orchestra is on a serious mission to keep ‘80s classic rock alive spiced up by cosmic themes and fueled by an obviously strong passion for such unforgettable music genre.
Sometimes the World Aint Enough

Follow The Cipher – Follow The Cipher

Started by Sabaton’s longtime collaborator Ken Kängström, Swedish power metallers Follow The Cipher are eager to reach a wide audience with the debut self titled album which focuses on a renowned & beloved music formula in the metal scene with additional modern twists.

“Enter The Cipher” invites the listeners to join this young band in this bombastic music endeavor opening the album with solemn atmospheric arrangements that create a suspenseful momentum that will lead to a super catchy combo of keyboards and guitars. There are hints of classic symphonic metal in the background with a strong inner melodic essence structured to enhance the charismatic performance of vocalist Linda Toni Grahn.

“Valkyria” focuses more on the electro elements of the band’s style ensuring a modern approach yet the traditional power metal influence remains quite important in the songwriting with the right dosage of triumphant keyboards & guitars melodies within the harsher rhythmic dynamics.

Even if the electro arrangements of “My Soldier” still hold a crucial role the overall atmosphere becomes utterly melancholic with the occasional heartfelt piano melodies and Linda’s emotionally charged vocals which contribute to enhance the song’s melodic power metal ballad aspects.

With a polished wall of sound “The Rising” mixes futuristic vibes and classic power metal riffs to ensure maximum groovy force with a slightly dramatic mood while lead guitars always craft melodic passages amplified in the fancy solo.

“A Mind’s Escape” features loads of soothing melodies which shift from the mellow & catchy vibes of the chorus to a deeper melancholy expressed by soft synths layers and passionate vocals but there are also some epic symphonic moments that will create darker atmospheres.

“Starlight” is meant to be played loud featuring another solid ensemble of powerful guitar riffs, entertaining solo acrobatics and flamboyant keyboards but the whole instrumental formula is certainly spiced up by the fierce growls and a heavier rhythmic section.

This is just the beginning of an exciting journey but Follow The Cipher already have a clear sonic manifesto that will appeal to power metal acolytes as the album mainly relies on melodic hooks and crunchy riffage.
Follow the Cipher

With The End In Mind – Unraveling; Arising

Based in Olympia, Washington black metallers With The End In Mind are finally ready to release the debut full length “Unraveling; Arising” which promises a modern mixture of ferocious blackened blasts and gloomy atmospheres.

There is no escape from the nihilist realm of “Sings The Sky” as the apparent peace evoked by the initial shoegaze inspired combo of hazy atmospheric arrangements and graceful melodic guitars is wiped away by a thunderous blackened force that will eventually conquer the spotlight with unstoppable hectic dynamics.

“From The True Source” almost feels brighter as emotionally charged crystalline guitar melodies and fragile atmospheres become the main focus until the unrestrained blackened energy re-emerges through fierce rhythmic segments, reverb galore and distant ferocious growls.

With growing intensity darkness descends on “Wheeling, Endlessly Wheeling” followed by profoundly melancholic guitar melodies that depict fragile & dreamy soundscapes enhanced by gentle female vocals generating a sense of tranquility that will be abruptly interrupted by blackened fury.

With The End In MInd have just started their music journey and seem to be fully committed to the cascadian atmospheric black metal approach that creates a realm of infinite sadness and asphyxiating rhythms on “Unraveling; Arising”.
Unraveling; Arising

YOB – Our Raw Heart

Known as one of the most loved and respected bands in the current metal scene YOB returns with the monumental opus “Our Raw Heart” and its genesis is particularly meaningful as it draws inspiration from the recent illness of band’s vocalist/ guitar player Mike Scheidt.

“Ablaze” begins a descent into emotive darkness which certainly bears the mark of doom metal with the towering weight of the whole rhythmic sections but effortlessly deviates from the genre’s expected dynamics as guitars shift from crushing guitar riffs to dreamlike melodic momentum while Mike’s vocals feel uniquely connected to the bleak instrumental passages.

The initial slow enigmatic bass lines and nightmarish atmospheres of “In Reverie” seem to dwell in a surreal limbo between life and death foreshadowing a realm of concrete darkness where guitars constantly amplify the band’s doom roots with impossibly heavy riffage and funereal nuances.

“Beauty In Falling Leaves” offers lavish melodic textures drenched in melancholy or sheer sadness leading to pure emotionally charged vocals and the entire instrumentation deliberately follows a dramatically slower pace to favor the refined guitar melodies which guide the listeners through an anguished sonic maze but will eventually evolve into impulsive heavier crescendos that can undeniably reach the darkest depths of doom metal.

The title track continues an inspiring spiritual journey that at times can feel truly painful as an emotional turmoil influences profoundly the fragile melodic splendor, the harsher doom style progressions and the otherworldly psychedelic guitar work which stands out especially in the song’s final hypnotizing moments.

As the title suggests “Our Raw Heart” is fueled by outpouring authentic emotions which probably contribute the the various uneasy moments scattered throughout these lengthy tracks and YOB demonstrates a rare devotion for music composing incredibly poignant melodies that ultimately go beyond your average modern doom album.
Our Raw Heart

Blacktop Mojo Interview with Matt James

Blacktop Mojo is touring in support of their sophomore album ‘Burn The
Ships’ and current Top 40 radio single “Dream On” (Aerosmith Cover) so we had a little chat with vocalist Matt James. Don’t miss Blacktop Mojo live at Subterranean in

Chicago on August 8th!

The Offering: You’re currently headlining a North American tour how is it going on the road?

(Matt James) BTM: The tour is going great right now. We’re having a blast and making a lot of new fans and friends in every corner of the country.

TO: What can people expect from your live shows?

BTM: To be a part of a high energy, down and dirty, rock show. Also probably sore necks the next day from the headbanging. I know we get those.

TO: What do you like most about touring?

BTM: Meeting new people everyday and hearing their stories. There are some incredible folks out there.

TO: Last year you released the album “Burn The Ships”, what are your thoughts and feelings about this record now that some time has passed?

BTM: This record has been a huge blessing for us. It’s allowed us to travel the country and reach a lot of people that we might not have otherwise.

TO: When you started working on this album did you have a precise idea or concept in mind?

BTM: About 2 weeks before we went to record the album, we all quit our jobs and moved into a house together, so the theme of the album is kind of “no going back”. We “Burned our Ships” in our lives so to speak and the theme of the songs reflect what we went through when we were doing that.

TO: How would you describe the music style of this album?

BTM: A journalist we interviewed with called it “Texas Grunge”. Kinda heavy, kinda twangy, rock and roll.

TO: What made you decide to cover the Aerosmith classic “Dream On”?

BTM: We thought it would be fun.

TO: Are you interested in covering other songs in the future?

BTM: Yes

TO: Are you currently working on new music?

BTM: Yes.

TO: When can we expect a new album?

BTM: Spring of 2019

TO: What do you find most challenging about being a musician?

BTM: We love what we do, so anything that’s challenging is still fun.

TO: What are your expectations for the future of the band?

BTM: To be the first band to play on Mars.

 

Tsjuder – Throne Of The Goat

Norwegian cult black metal stalwarts Tsjuder are proudly releasing a new edition of their first EP “Throne Of The Goat” which includes the original tracks and a complete re-recording.

There are two full track on this EP and both the 1997 original recording and the new versions share the same raw blackened energy that will inevitably characterize the band’s entire discography.

The new version of the title track is certainly more polished and benefits from fancier gear but the cult black metal dynamics are still intact with thunderous guitar riffing galore, demonic growls and super fast & brutal rhythmic segments.

“Dying Spirit” often follows a breakneck speed and as traditional black metal dictates evokes absolutely bleak soundscapes with evident oppressive feelings fully expressed by raw guitar riffs, ominous growls and scattered diabolical melodic moments.

Needless to say the sonic realm of “Throne Of The Goat” is made of undiluted darkness and hellish nightmares hard to leave behind as Tsjuder shows the fans how it all started.
Throne of the Goat

Dead Cross – Dead Cross EP

When a supergroup like Dead Cross releases a surprise self titled EP we are all curious to listen what this new hardcore outfit featuring brilliant artists (Dave Lombardo, Mike Patton, Justin Pearson and Michael Crain) has in mind.

“Skin Of A Redneck” offers blistering chaos with loads of extra distorted guitar riffs that focus on chunky rhythmic dynamics supported by precise drum blasts leading to insane moshpit inducing grooves and grind tones often surrounded by creepy atmospheric layers while Mike’s vocals showcase the expected striking multifaceted delivery.

“My Perfect Prisoner” immediately pushes on the accelerator as scorching guitar riffs march fiercely through a raging chaotic rhythmic realm with inevitable bursts of raw energy consequently amplified by Mike’s infectious screams.

People will be familiar with the last two songs which were on the band’s 2017 debut full length and are included here as remixes. “Shillelagh (Panicker Remix)” becomes full blown electro song with an evident experimental edge that leaves behind the ravenous hardcore delivery.

“Church Of The Motherfuckers (Planet B Remix)” is also reinterpreted in electro style with bits of industrial momentum but maintains an angered mood and crazy sinister vibes.

With two new original songs and two remixes Dead Cross new EP sounds wild & furious and gives you a taste of what to expect in the future from this impressive band.
Dead Cross EP [Explicit]

Carpenter Brut – Leather Teeth

The new unannounced release “Leather Teeth” by French synthwave or darksynth artist Carpenter Brut is the real soundtrack to an imaginary movie, probably a horror B movie, full of ‘80s glam vibes starring a science geek who will become a rockstar, a popular quarterback and a cheerleader.

The glamorous frenzy begins with the darkened synths melodies of the title track mixing a passion for ‘80s metal expressed by over the top crunchiness and a feverish rhythm that creates suspense for the impending horror.

“Cheerleader Effect” makes you think of old videogames with steady electro motifs and Kristoffer Rygg’s smooth vocal delivery floating through danceable synths and darker atmospheres.

“Beware The Beast” screams classic ‘80s metal, everybody is wearing studded leather jackets riding to the next bar listening to melodic guitars surrounded by loads of glamorous keyboards layers but something evil lurks in the dark.

“Inferno Galore” invites you to dance along the catchy synths that create a multitude of melodies and electro beats and again the whole sound has some inner robotic creepiness and cheesy ‘80s elements but it’s time to party anyway.

Just reading the title “Hairspray Hurricane” you should know what to expect as synths galore, crazy filters and classic metal sounding chunky rhythms craft a surreal sonic realm that feels stuck inside an arcade but you know that something bad is about to happen.

“Leather Teeth” might not sound extremely innovative but is certainly fun as Carpenter Brut confidently and successfully puts together the perfect soundtrack for that particular unreleased movie that was certainly filmed in 1987.
Leather Teeth